Neil Sedaka, ‘Breaking Up Is Hard to Do’ Singer, Dies at 86
LOS ANGELES (Gray News) – Neil Sedaka, the Grammy-nominated musician known for hits like “Breaking Up Is Hard to Do” and “Laughter in the Rain,” has died at the age of 86, his family confirmed on Friday.
“Our family is devastated by the sudden passing of our beloved husband, father and grandfather, Neil Sedaka,” a family statement shared with Variety read. “A true rock n’ roll legend, an inspiration to millions, but most importantly, at least to those of us who were lucky enough to know him, an incredible human being who will be deeply missed.”
Sedaka scored several No. 1 hits on the Billboard Hot 100 during his peak years in the 1960s and ’70s. He also wrote songs that became hits for other artists and received five Grammy nominations over his six-decade career.
According to reports, Sedaka was hospitalized Friday after not feeling well. Deputies with the Los Angeles County West Hollywood sheriff’s station assisted the fire department with a “medical request” around 8 a.m. Local time, TMZ reported.
A Career Spanning Decades
Born March 13, 1939, in Brooklyn, Recent York, Sedaka gained early recognition as a member of The Tokens, though he later pursued a successful solo career. Sunny 1065 notes that his career experienced a resurgence in the 1970s, aided by Elton John, who helped re-establish Sedaka’s presence on the American music scene. This led to further hits, including “Laughter in the Rain” and “Bad Blood.”
Sedaka was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1983 and received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1978. He continued performing and recording until 2023.
Family and Legacy
Neil Sedaka is survived by his wife, Leba Strassberg, and their two children.
Copyright 2026 Gray Local Media, Inc. All rights reserved.